Author: Sam Ali

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Drafted by St. Louis Blues

The Hibbing native was taken in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

DALLAS, Texas – Hibbing native and current UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich has been drafted to the St. Louis Blues. The NCHC and National Rookie of the Year was taken in the second round with the 45th overall pick. Perunovich is coming off a memorable freshman year for UMD, leading the team in points, en route to the school’s second ever…

Coaches Corner: Duluth FC Previews World Cup

The Bluegreens gave us an unofficial preview of the 2018 World Cup.

DULUTH, Minn. – On this special edition of Coaches Corner, Duluth FC provided us with some insight into who they think will perform well in this year’s World Cup. The countries represented include England, Germany, Brazil and Columbia. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Bulldogs Host First Football Camp of the Summer

The UMD football team hosted their first "Skills Camp" at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – High school football players from Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin gathered at Malosky Stadium to take part in a skills camp. It was a chance for the players to show off to the coaches who are looking to scout some prospective college athletes. “The majority of our recruiting classes come through these camps at one point, whether…

Huskies Walk-Off in Extras vs. Moondogs

Duluth's Sam Baier got the walk-off hit in the tenth to give the Huskies the 3-2 win.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a dog fight at Wade Stadium on Monday night as the Huskies hosted the Mankato Moondogs. Duluth continued their success in the first inning with an RBI single from Nick Sogard. Mankato would score two in the third inning to take the lead. But Sam Baier would score on a sac fly in the eighth…

A Cup for the Iron Range

The local Virginia-MIB hockey community talks about the impact Matt Niskanen's Stanley Cup win will have on youth hockey.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – “I’d be a liar if I said I predicted Matt when he was 8 years old to be a 15–year NHL player,” Keith Hendrickson said. Keith Hendrickson was the head coach of the Virginia–MIB boys hockey team from 1986 to 2011, including the four years where Matt Niskanen donned the blue and white. And he remembers writing…

Coaches Corner: Grandma’s Marathon PR Director Mandi Peterson

Peterson stopped by to talk about preparations for the big event.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sat down with Mandi Peterson who is in charge of marketing and public relations for Grandma’s Marathon. Among the topics discussed are the days leading up to the big race, as well as how the community has made Grandma’s the biggest sporting event of the year. Categories: Coaches Corner, Sports

Duluth Marshall Blasts Esko, Wins 7AA Championship

The Hilltoppers piled up the runs on the Eskomos as they win it 23-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the 7AA section finals, Duluth Marshall defeated Esko 4-1 in the early game to set up a winner-take-all at Wade Stadium. And in the second game, the Hilltoppers score as many runs in one game as they did the entire section tourney and they beat the Eskomos 23-1. Duluth Marshall is going back to the state…

Carlton Softball Learning From Last Year’s Experience

The Bulldogs are ready to make a deeper run in the Class A playoffs.

CARLTON, Minn. – In the single A state softball tournament, Carlton is back for the second consecutive year. The combination of hot bats and stellar defense is what drove the Bulldogs to a sectional victory. But this time, they also have an experienced squad. “Everyone was pretty nervous and everyone got up to the plate and they were just scared…

Historic Season Ends for Duluth Lacrosse

The Wolfpack fell in the section finals to Centennial

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – In just their third year of existence, the Duluth boys lacrosse team made it to the section 7 finals against Centennial. But the dream season came to an end on Wednesday as the Wolfpack fell to the Cougars 8-6. Duluth finished the season with just two losses on the year. Categories: High School, Sports

Lumberjacks fall in 7AAA Baseball Section Semi-Finals

The season came to an end for Cloquet at the hands of Chisago Lakes.

DULUTH, Minn. – One more spot was left in the 7AAA baseball section finals. Cloquet and Chisago Lakes went head-to-head at Wade Stadium. The Lumberjacks scored three runs in the first inning. However, the Wildcats would come back as they win it 8-6. Chisago Lakes moves on to face Grand Rapids in the section finals Thursday at Wade Stadium. Categories:…

Wolfpack Get Set for First Ever Section Finals

The Duluth boys lacrosse team is in uncharted territory for their third year as a program.

DULUTH, Minn. – What a night it was for the Duluth boys lacrosse team. The “Cardiac Kids” came back from a 4–0 hole to defeat the Blaine Bengals and punch their ticket to the section finals for the first time in program history. It’s not the first time Duluth was in a nail–biter as they’ve played a couple of close…

Eskomos To Meet Hilltoppers in 7AA Baseball Finals

These two teams will meet for the third time this season in the section finals.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In the 7AA baseball section semi-finals, Esko defeated Duluth Marshall 1-0 as Branden Matteen RBI in the fourth was the lone score from this game. Eskomos pitcher Brody Kaldahl threw seven scoreless innings in the complete game shutout. Hilltoppers hurler Ben Pederson struck out 11 batters and also went the distance. In a winner-take-all game, Duluth Marshall…

LSSC’s Zelen Heading to National Meet

Ryan Zelen is heading to California for the TYR Pro Swim Series Meet.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ryan Zelen is a member of the Lake Superior Swim Club and later this week, he will be at the TYR Pro Swim Series Meet, battling against some of the best swimmers in the world. Zelen says it means a lot to him to be able to represent Duluth at a national meet. “We haven’t had anybody…

Wolfpack Come Back to Stun Bengals, Advance to Section Finals

The Duluth boys lacrosse team are going to their first section final in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Cardiac Kids” lived up to their name Monday night as the Duluth boys lacrosse team defeated Blaine 7-6 in the Section 7 semi-finals at Public Schools Stadium. The Wolfpack were down 4-0 after the first quarter. But thanks to a furious rally in the second half and a hat trick from Jayden Erie, they were able…

Duluth FC Back at PSS for Two-Game Homestand

The Bluegreens are coming off a big win over Sioux Falls 2-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC got a thrilling win over Sioux Falls Thunder FC on Monday night. Ryan Tyrer scored the go-ahead goal to give the Bluegreens their second win of the season. Duluth FC will be at home for their next two matches starting with Wednesday against VSLT FC, who are #1 in the NPSL North Conference. Duluth FC…

Huskies Ride Seven-Run First Inning to Win over Rox

Duluth wins their third in a row as they top St. Cloud 10-6 at Wade Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – In front of over 2,000 kids on Education Day, the Duluth Huskies hosted the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday afternoon. Less than 24 hours after a walk off win on Opening Day, this game was much less competitive as the Huskies scored seven runs in the first inning en route to a 10-6 win. Chris Gilbody led…

Meet The Huskies: Head Coach Tyger Pederson

For our first "Meet The Huskies" segment, we talk with head coach Tyger Pederson.

DULUTH, Minn. – He’s the California guy with an eye for talent. Tyger Pederson was introduced back in September as the Huskies’ new field manager and he wants to have a good first impression in the Northwoods League. “It’s been great, man. Just getting everybody out here and getting to work with all these guys. There’s a lot of excitement…

Duluth Marshall Gets Set for Match-Up with Esko

The Hilltoppers will meet the Eskomos in the 7AA section semi-finals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday night, the Duluth Marshall baseball team was in a dogfight with Mora in the 7AA section quarterfinals. Carter Sullivan threw out the game-tying run at home plate to secure a 1–0 win for the Hilltoppers. Next up for Marshall is a big time showdown with Esko, who have outscored their opponents 33 to 1 in the…

Coaches Corner: Northland Blitz

The Northland Blitz stopped by our studios talk about their season so far.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with members of the Northland Blitz football team, including head coach Davalance DePoe, defensive coordinator Tony O’Neil, linebacker Ja’Paul Sinkfield and defensive back Jaylon Brown. The team talked about their 3-1 start to the season, as well as the work they do in the community. Categories: Coaches Corner, Sports

Kaldahl Ks 13 Batters, Esko Advances to Next Round of Sectionals

Esko's Brody Kaldahl was unstoppable on the mound, leading the Eskomos to victory

DULUTH, Minn.- In 7AA play, Esko faced Two Harbors in the sectional quarterfinals Thursday. Brody Kaldahl was on the mound for the Eskomos, completing the game with a total of 13 strikeouts. Eskomos win it 9-0, advancing to the sectional semifinals. Categories: High School, Sports

Local Hockey Community Holding Fundraiser for Marshall’s Flaherty

The "Drop the Gloves Against Throat Cancer" event will be in support of Hilltoppers coach Brendan Flaherty.

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of Duluth Marshall hockey, one name immediately comes to mind: Branden Flaherty. For almost two decades, he has made Hilltopper hockey a brand name in the state. But a few months ago, Flaherty was diagnosed with throat cancer. The prognosis is very good, but the Duluth hockey community still wants to lend a hand…

Two Harbors Tops I-Falls in Rainy 7AA Baseball Sectionals

The Agates got the win over the Broncos 9-1.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In 7AA baseball sectionals, International Falls faced Two Harbors in Superior on a rainy Wednesday night. The Broncos were fresh off a win over Greenway earlier in the day, but couldn’t carry over that momentum as they fall to the Agates 9-1. Two Harbors will face the winner of Thursday’s game between Duluth Marshall and Eveleth Gilbert….

Tim Madsen Named New Head Coach of CSS Men’s Hockey

The former Minnesota Wilderness coach was introduced to the public Wednesday morning.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica announced Wednesday that former Minnesota Wilderness head coach Tim Madsen will be the 10th head coach of their men’s hockey team in school history. The Elk River native spent the past two seasons with the Wilderness, guiding them to back to back playoff appearances. The Saints are hoping that Madsen can carry over that success…

Break Room to Host Team Shuster in Exhibition Pool Match

The exhibition will kickoff the 8 Ball Classic tournament for this weekend.

DULUTH — The Break Room will be hosting a special exhibition match this Thursday night featuring the gold–medal winning U.S. Olympic curling team and the Masconi Cup USA team. Event coordinator Dan Witzman says he got the idea from watching the Olympics. “The Swedish team, who the U.S. played for the gold medal, said in an interview when asked by…

Duluth Huskies Ready to Begin NWL Season

The Huskies held a special Media Day Monday at Wade Stadium.

DULUTH — The Duluth Huskies are back in town, getting ready for the start of the season. The team practiced Monday at Wade Stadium, just over 24 hours before they start the season on Tuesday. It’s an exciting time for new head coach Tyger Pederson, who wants to make a great first impression in the Northwoods league. “It’s been great…

South Ridge and Carlton Advance to 7A Sectional Semifinals

The Bulldogs and Panthers set to face off next week.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 7A Softball Sectional Quarterfinals took place Thursday in Cloquet. The winners bracket was comprised of four teams: Silver Bay, Carlton, Cherry, and South Ridge. Cherry and South Ridge went head to head. The Panthers would score early, and that would be the only run of the game for either side. South Ridge wins 1-0. Later, Carlton faced…

Bennet Park Wins “Our Courts. Our Future.” Contest

The Hibbing basketball court will receive a refurbishment this summer.

HIBBING, Minn. – Last week, the city of Hibbing spent an entire week campaigning on social media in effort to win the “Our Courts. Our Future.” competition, organized by the Minnesota Timberwolves. And Thursday, they got some great news. Bennet Park will be one of four basketball courts that will be refurbished this summer, courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves and…

UMD’s Schmoll, Wright, Smith Earn All-American Honors

The Bulldog trio were named to the NFCA and D2CCA All-American Teams.

DULUTH — The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association (D2CCA) released their softball All-American teams yesterday and there was no surprise for a trio of University of Minnesota Duluth seniors. Shortstop Becky Smith was selected to the 2018 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II All-American third team while outfielder Hannah Schmoll and second baseman…

Carlton Softball Eyeing Another Section Championship

The Bulldogs are confident in be able to win their second straight section 7A title.

CARLTON, Minn. — The Carlton softball team came into this season as the defending Section 7A champions. The Bulldogs finished their regular season with an 11–3 record. And what is their reward for that success? While everyone is playing in the first round, they get to relax with a first round bye. But that doesn’t mean that practice and preparation…

Robb Stauber Named Head Coach of Whitecaps

The Duluth native is heading to the NWHL after winning gold with the U.S. women's national team.

DULUTH, Minn. – One week after the Minnesota Whitecaps joined the National Women’s Hockey League, they have found their new head coach. Duluth native Robb Stauber will be manning the bench for the Whitecaps next season. The former Minnesota Gopher was the head coach of the U.S. Women’s national teams who won both the world and olympic championships in 2017…

Baseball Preps: Hawks top Spartans, Lumberjacks Walk Off on Bluejackets

Hermantown gets the road win over Superior and Cloquet gets the walk off win over Hibbing.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In high school baseball action, Hermantown scores four runs in the second and seventh innings as they top Superior 9-4. Elliot Peterson led the Hawks with four hits on the day. Cloquet held their season finale at Ed Mettner Field against Hibbing. The Lumberjacks were down 3-0 after one inning. But a late surge sent the game…

Cloquet Softball Credits Underclassmen for Improvement in 2018

The Lumberjacks are younger and hungrier going into the sectional tournament.

CLOQUET — One team that has improved a lot over the past year is the Cloquet softball team. The Lumberjacks won 10 games last season. But this season, they finished with a 15–3 record and are ranked 10th in class AAA. The reason for the turnaround? A youth movement that has stepped up when they are called upon. “I think…

Yellowjackets’ Noah Potratz Gets Set for Nationals

The senior will compete in the javelin throw this weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – UWS senior Noah Potratz is spending this week getting ready for the NCAA D3 national championship. Potratz has qualified to compete in the javelin throw, securing his spot just a week ago at the North Central Gregory final qualifier. Leading up to this weekend, his main focus is preparing his body. “Just working on form and making…

Saints’ Hovland Running to Nationals

The senior will be competing in the 5K run at the NCAA D3 national championships.

DULUTH — St Scholastica’s Casey Hovland has qualified to compete in the Division 3 national championship later this week at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Hovland will be competing in the 5K run. This will be her third NCAA championship appearance this year alone. “It’s a really neat atmosphere. It’s different for cross country and track. It’s all of the…

Duluth tops Hermantown/Proctor in Girls Lacrosse Action

On the Stealth's Senior Night, the Wolfpack got the win 12-3.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In girls high school lacrosse, Hermantown/Proctor hosted Duluth on Senior Night. But the Wolfpack would spoil the celebration as they win it 12-3. Duluth improves their record to 7-4 while Proctor/Hermantown falls to 6-5. Categories: High School, Sports

Kohlwey, Trost Eyeing All-American Finishes at Nationals

The pair are each making their third career trip to the NCAA D2 national championships.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two UMD Bulldogs will be heading to the NCAA Division II national championships this weekend. For junior Danielle Kohlwey, she will take part in the 100-meter hurdles for the third straight year. She finished sixth last season, earning All-American honors. But she knows she can do better. “I just need to do what I’ve been doing and…

Noah Potratz to Represent UWS at Nationals

The senior will compete in the javelin throw this Friday at the D3 national championships.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior trackster Noah Potratz (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) will represent the University of Wisconsin-Superior at the NCAA Division III National Championships in javelin throw this week, May 23-26 at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Potratz had a record-breaking season, beating the school record on his first throw of the season at the Dingles Brueggen Open at St. Mary’s University…

Hibbing Community Looking to Renovate Bennet Park

The park was named a finalist in the "Our Courts, Our Future" contest from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

HIBBING — This summer, the Minnesota Timberwolves will travel throughout the state to bring the love of basketball outdoors by fixing up four courts that are selected through public voting. Bennett Park in Hibbing has been nominated as one of those courts and is in the top three to be selected, bringing together the entire community. “I’m speechless because you…

Softball Preps: Eskomos, Rails Get Wins as Season Nears End

Esko knocks off Hibbing, while Proctor hangs on to beat Duluth East.

ESKO, Minn. – In high school softball action, Esko put up 10 runs in the first two innings as they blast Hibbing 15-0 in four innings. The Eskomos will wrap up their season Saturday at home against Blaine. It was much more competitive between Proctor and Duluth East, but in the end, the Rails would get the win 6-4 over…

Baseball Preps: Hermantown Tops Greenway, Duluth East Shocks Denfeld

The Hawks defeated the Raiders 11-1, while the Greyhounds got the upset win over the Hunters 13-3.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In high school baseball action, Hermantown got the best of Greenway 11-1 at the Hermantown Sports Complex. The Hawks have now won four of their past six games. And in Duluth, it was a shocker as Duluth East knocks off rivals Duluth Denfeld 13-3 in six innings. The Greyhounds came into the game with just two wins…

Bennet Park Named Finalist in T-Wolves Renovation Contest

Voting ends May 20th to help refurbish one of Hibbing's oldest basketball courts.

HIBBING, Minn. – This week, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced the finalists for their “Our Courts, Our Future” contest. One of the finalists is Hibbing’s Bennet Park, which was built back in 1980. Other nominees in their region include Bill LaFave Park in Thief River Falls and Dekko Community Center in Ada. You can vote once per day. Voting ends May…

Saints Split Season Finale, Earn At Least Share of UMAC Title

The CSS baseball team split with Bethany Lutheran, 7-6 in Game One and 5-2 in Game Two.

DULUTH — With the #1 seed in the UMAC playoffs on the line, St. Scholastica faced off against Bethany Luthern Saturday at Wade Stadium. It was the final home conference series for the Saints. After losing Game One 7-6, CSS bounced back to win Game Two 5-2. With the split, the Saints have guaranteed at least a share of the…

UWS Baseball Win Sixth Straight

The Yellowjackets knocked off Minnesota Morris for their eighth win in their past ten games.

SUPERIOR — The Wisconsin Superior baseball team kept their playoff hopes alive on Saturday, sweeping Minnesota Morris at Ted Whereatt Field. Braedan Barr knocked in five RBIs in Game 1 to help UWS win 16-6 in seven innings. In Game 2, the Yellowjackets needed extra innings as Corey Albertson hit a two-run homer to give UWS the walk-off 10-8 win….

New UMD Men’s Basketball Coach Justin Wieck Talks Bulldog Hoops

Wieck stopped by our studios for this week's Coaches Corner segment.

DULUTH — Justin Wieck, who spent the past four seasons on the Minnesota State University-Moorhead coaching staff, has been named the University of Minnesota Duluth head men’s basketball coach. The 33-year old Wieck becomes the 17th head coach in the 88-year history of the Bulldog program and just the fourth since the 1984-85 season. During Wieck’s successful four years of…

Adam Krause Named New Men’s Assistant Hockey Coach

The Hermantown native will replace Brett Larson, who left to become head coach at St. Cloud State.

DULUTH — Three years after closing out a rewarding playing career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Adam Krause is returning to the Bulldog men’s hockey program to serve as an assistant men’s hockey coach. He replaces Brett Larson, who accepted the head coaching position at St. Cloud State University last month. “I couldn’t be more excited to be back,”…

Four Bulldogs Named to NSIC All-Conference Team

Senior outfielder Hannah Schmoll headlines quartet of UMD softball players receiving conference honors.

DULUTH — For the ninth consecutive year, the University of Minnesota Duluth has secured a spot on the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Sun first team while two other Bulldogs were bestowed with second team honors. Senior outfielder Hannah Schmoll was selected to the 16-member All-NSIC first team after making the second team her first three seasons. Seniors shortstop Becky Smith and…

Yellowjackets Tennis Playoff Bound in Inaugural Season

The Yellowjackets are going to the UMAC playoffs in their first year of existence.

DULUTH — The Wisconsin Superior men’s and women’s tennis teams finished the UMAC regular season with a loss against St. Scholastica. Both teams wrapped up the season with 10–6 records, including a 5–2 mark within the UMAC. This is their first year as a program so the playoff experience will be invaluable to the younger players on the team. Categories:…

CSS Tennis Teams Finish UMAC Regular Season Undefeated

Both the men's and women's tennis teams will enter the UMAC tourney as #1 seeds.

DULUTH — Sunday was the final day of the UMAC tennis regular season. St. Scholastica and Wisconsin Superior had their first match this season against each other. And it happened to fall on the final day of the season. The Saints came away with the win 9–0 for the men and 8–1 for the women. Both squads finish conference play…

Duluth Wolfpack Dedicate Season to Fallen Teammate

The Duluth lacrosse team are honoring Will Schlotec, who died last summer.

DULUTH — “I remember getting the call late that evening. I’m hearing about it. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t believe it had happened,” head coach Scott Wishart recalls. “We were all just kind of shocked because he was almost untouchable to us. He was just that kind of guy,” Kale Mosiniak said. “It was definitely super hard to really wrap…

Yellowjackets Win, Clinch UMAC Playoff Berth

UWS swept Minnesota Morris as they get set to close their regular season Sunday afternoon.

SUPERIOR — Sophomore Bailey Kinnunen hit a solo home run in game one of the doubleheader as Wisconsin Superior defeated Minnesota Morris 4-1. The Yellowjackets would top the Cougars 12-5 in five innings, which helped them clinch a berth in the UMAC playoffs. UWS will wrap up their regular season at home on Sunday against Northland. Categories: College, Sports